Lawson v. Commissioner of Social Security ( 2006 )

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR FULL-TEXT PUBLICATION
File Name: 06a0618n.06
Filed: August 22, 2006
No. 05-6536
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT
__________________________________________
TAMMY J. LAWSON, deceased, )
)
Plaintiff, )
)
JESSICA L. HENARD, CHRISTOPHER )
LIVESAY, GERALD LAWSON, the heirs at law )
of Tammy J. Lawson, )
) OPINION
Plaintiffs-Appellants )
v. )
)
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, )
)
Defendant-Appellee. )
__________________________________________)
Before: MOORE and GIBBONS, Circuit Judges; and ACKERMAN, District Judge.*
HAROLD A. ACKERMAN, Senior District Judge.
Plaintiff Tammy Lawson (“Lawson”) was denied social security disability benefits by the
Social Security Administration (“SSA”).1 The denial of benefits was administratively appealed
and was affirmed by an Administrative Law Judge. Upon Lawson’s appeal in the District Court,
*
Honorable Harold A. Ackerman, Senior United States District Judge for the District of
New Jersey, sitting by designation.
1
Lawson died while this action was on appeal. Her heirs-at-law have been substituted as
Plaintiffs-Appellants.
1
the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (“Commissioner”) moved for summary
judgment dismissing Lawson’s case, and affirming the Administrative Law Judge’s denial of
benefits. Lawson’s heirs-at-law continue this appeal from the District Court’s judgment. We
find no reason to disturb the judgment of the ALJ and the District Court, and we therefore
AFFIRM the judgment of the District Court.
I. Background
A. Lawson’s Disability Application and Initial Hearing
Lawson filed an application for disability benefits on June 17, 2002, alleging the onset of
disability on January 2, 2002. She was 41 at the time. Lawson alleged disability as the result of
degenerative disc disease, bulging discs, cataracts, and depression. She was a high school
graduate with past work experience as a school bus driver, van driver, fast food worker and
clerk/cashier. Her claim for disability benefits was denied initially and upon reconsideration,
after which Lawson requested a review hearing.
On April 23, 2003, Lawson appeared with counsel for a hearing before an Administrative
Law Judge (“ALJ”). At the hearing, Lawson testified that she had been under medical care for
the past 18 years for back problems such as bulging discs, arthritis and degenerative disc disease.
(Tr. 365, 66.)2 She stated that she had worked as a school bus driver in January 2002, but had
left that job because it became difficult for her to perform her duties, because the pain she
experienced was so severe that she could not depress the pedals of the vehicle. (Tr. 365, 66.)
2
All citations are to the Transcript of Administrative Proceedings (“Tr.”) prepared by
the Social Security Administration Office of Appellate Operations.
2
She testified that since quitting her job, she did nothing during the day but rest on the couch.
Lawson also claimed that because of the pain and the inability to be productive, she had
become depressed. (Tr. 372.) Lawson testified that her family physician, Dr. Ionescu, had
recently referred her to a psychiatrist, Dr. Smith, for the first time two weeks before the hearing.
Lawson indicated that she was scheduled to see a psychologist the week after the initial hearing.
Lawson also testified that she had discontinued treatment with the Morristown Pain Clinic
because they had accused her of things (e.g., abuse of medications) that, according to Lawson,
had not occurred. (Tr. 377.)
At the close of the April 23, 2003 hearing, the ALJ requested Lawson’s pharmacy
records, as well as Lawson’s medical records from her treating physician and from the pain
clinic. The ALJ stated that he would refer Lawson for a psychological examination. (Tr. 378.)
B. Lawson’s Medical Records Before the Initial Hearing
Lawson’s counsel submitted her medical records to the ALJ after the initial hearing.
Lawson’s medical records indicated that on October 6, 1999, she had been seen by Dr. M. Blaine
Jones, III, who had noted his concern with Lawson’s use of prescribed pain medications.
Lawson had prematurely run out of both Soma and Lortab, as she had been taking these drugs at
twice the prescribed rate. (Tr. 206-07.) Dr. Jones indicated some concern that a person taking
these medications at such a rate was employed as a school bus driver. (Id.) In response to
Lawson’s insistence that she needed the medications in such doses for her pain, Dr. Jones
recommended that if the pain were that severe, Lawson should see a specialist. (Id.)
Dr. Jones noted that a recent spinal MRI taken on September 27, 1999 showed minor
spinal stenosis (narrowing) at L4-L5, secondary to broad-based intervertebral disc bulging,
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posterior intervertebral disc protrusion, hypertrophy (enlargement), and increasing size changes
in the facet joints. (Tr. 134-35, 207.) Jones referred Lawson to an orthopedic specialist, John B.
Raff, M.D. Dr. Raff examined Lawson on March 14, 2000. His physical examination noted that
Lawson walked with a normal gait and could perform heel-and-toe walking. (Tr. 136.) Lawson
demonstrated normal results for motor testing in all muscle groups, symmetric reflexes in knees
and ankles, and full range of motion in her hips. (Tr. 137.) Dr. Raff reviewed the 1999 MRI and
confirmed that it showed mild stenosis at L4-L5. (Id.) Dr. Raff indicated that due to Lawson’s
normal neurological responses, lack of spinal instability, and lack of any compelling problem,
surgery was not recommended. (Id.) Dr. Raff suggested that Lawson perform stabilizing
exercises, use special heels in her shoes, and attend a support group or pain clinic. (Id.)
On June 13, 2001, Lawson’s family physician, Dr. Ionescu, who had prescribed Lortab,
Nubain, Neurontin, Percocet, Robaxin, Soma and Vioxx at various times for Lawson’s pain,
recommended that Lawson be evaluated by a pain clinic. Lawson contacted the Morristown Pain
Clinic and was seen by Michael Chavin, M.D. On July 5, 2001, Dr. Chavin noted in his records
that Lawson had been taking up to six tablets of Lortab per day, though she had been prescribed
three a day. (Tr. 169.) Dr. Chavin recommended that Lawson receive a series of lumbar
epidural injections, and noted that because Lawson had been exceeding her dose of Lortab, he
would, in the future, only provide her with prescriptions for a week-long supply of medications.
(Tr. 171.)
After the initial hearing before the ALJ, Lawson went to a new physician, Dr. Sameh
Ward, M.D., who was associated with a different pain clinic. Dr. Ward analyzed Lawson’s 1999
MRI and interpreted the MRI to show “severe L5/S1 degenerative disc disease.” (Tr. 315.) Dr.
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Ward’s notes indicate that Lawson walked with a normal gait, presented normal thoracic and
lumbar spinal contours with normal range of motion, and exhibited normal results for deep
tendon reflex and nerve root stretch tests. (Tr. 317.) Lawson’s motor and sensory examinations
were normal. (Id.) Dr. Sameh noted that Lawson exhibited “exaggerated high pain behaviors
and [an] almost neurotic affect.” (Tr. 315, 317.) Dr. Sameh also noted that he wanted to wean
Lawson off of all of her pain medications. (Tr. 318.)
C. Lawson’s Examinations for Disability Review
On July 31, 2002, as part of her disability insurance application process, Lawson went to
Dr. Wayne Page for a physical examination. Dr. Page noted that Lawson’s gait, posture, and
appearance were unremarkable, but noted that during examination, Lawson exhibited “pain
behaviors” such as grasping her back and calling out at “inappropriate times.” (Tr. 176.) He
also noted that Lawson gave “poor effort” when asked to touch her toes, and “no effort” when
asked to perform a sit-up. (Id.) Lawson demonstrated normal motor function and reflexes in her
legs, and performed leg raises from seated and prone positions. (Id.) Dr. Page recommended
that Lawson be limited to lifting no more than ten pounds and determined that Lawson would
have no difficulties with walking, standing, or sitting over the course of an eight-hour workday.
(Id.)
On August 12, 2002, Lawson was examined by Alice Garland, M.S., a psychological
examiner. Garland noted that Lawson’s thought processes were organized but found Lawson’s
insight and judgment to be fair to poor. She estimated Lawson’s intelligence as average to low-
average. (Tr. 180.) Garland described Lawson’s manner as “histrionic and dramatic.” (Id.)
Garland concluded that Lawson might have limitations in mental functioning and variability of
5
mood that might interfere with Lawson’s ability to follow detailed instructions or work well with
others. (Tr. 182.)
On August 13, 2002, Lawson’s medical record was examined by Dr. Saul A. Juliao, a
state agency reviewing physician, as part of Lawson’s disability application. Dr. Juliao opined
that Lawson could lift up to twenty pounds occasionally and ten pounds frequently, and could sit
for six hours and stand or walk for six hours in an eight-hour workday. (Tr. 184.) Lawson’s
medical records were also reviewed by a disability determination services psychologist on
August 15, 2002, who opined that Lawson “appears to function adequately from a mental
standpoint.” (Tr. 201.)
After the initial hearing with the ALJ, Lawson was again examined by Alice Garland,
M.S., on June 4, 2003, pursuant to the ALJ’s request for psychological evaluation of Lawson.
The results of tests for intellectual functioning indicated that Lawson was in the “mildly mentally
retarded” range. (Tr. 309.) Garland noted that this result seemed low for a high school graduate.
Garland also administered memory tests that resulted in scores that seemed to represent low
estimates of Lawson’s true ability, and administered the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality
Inventory (MMPI) which resulted in a profile that suggested exaggerated responses from
Lawson. Garland cautioned that this test be analyzed with caution as a consequence of Lawson’s
exaggerated responses.
In sum, Garland opined that Lawson was extremely focused on her pain and health
problems, and observed that Lawson may experience “secondary gains from taking on a sick
role.” (Tr. 311.) Garland diagnosed Lawson with low-average mental functioning, but noted
6
that this diagnosis should be viewed only as provisional, as the testing that day did not represent
a reliable estimate of Lawson’s abilities, due to Lawson’s lack of focus and effort. (Tr. 312.)
Despite this caution, Garland opined that Lawson would have some limitations in her ability to
interact with supervisors and the public, and to respond appropriately to work pressures and
changes in work. (Id.)
D. Lawson’s Supplemental Hearing
A supplemental hearing was held on September 23, 2003, to permit the ALJ to receive
additional testimony. Dr. Susan D. Bland, a medical expert, Dr. Thomas E. Schacht, a
psychological expert, and Dr. Robert Spangler, a vocational expert, testified at the supplemental
hearing at the ALJ’s request. None of these experts had examined Lawson, but the medical and
psychological experts had reviewed Lawson’s medical records. Dr. Bland concluded that, based
on Lawson’s medical records and her testimony at the hearing, Lawson did not have an
impairment that qualified for disability insurance coverage. (Tr. 384.) However, Dr. Bland did
concede that Lawson had some degenerative changes of the lumbar spine with mild narrowing of
the canal and some hypertrophy, which would justify certain limitations on Lawson’s ability to
perform work. (Id.) Dr. Bland recommended that Lawson lift no more than twenty pounds
occasionally and ten pounds more frequently and further recommended that Lawson refrain from
repetitive bending and stooping. (Id.) Additionally, because of the pain medications that Lawson
was prescribed, Dr. Bland cautioned that Lawson should refrain from climbing ladders, operating
machinery, or driving company vehicles. (Id.)
Despite acknowledging these limitations, Dr. Bland did not find Lawson’s claimed
multiple impairments to be so severe as to meet or equal the requirements of any listed disability.
7
Notably, Dr. Bland referred to a 1999 MRI of Lawson’s spine which indicated only mild
findings of disc problems. (Tr. 388-89.) Moreover, Dr. Bland noted that orthopedic exam
results showed that Lawson had a normal gait, as well as normal flexion, strength, sensation and
reflexes, which caused Dr. Bland to conclude that there was little correlation between Lawson’s
claimed symptoms and the objective medical findings in the record. (Id.)
Dr. Schacht testified that he had reviewed Lawson’s medical file regarding her symptoms
of depression, and concluded that it was not possible to determine from the record whether or not
Lawson’s mental condition satisfied one of the listings dealing with mental health impairments.
(Tr. 385.) Dr. Schacht explained that he had concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the
conclusions drawn by Lawson’s psychological examiners, given indications that Lawson had
demonstrated a “lack of effort” in intellectual and memory examinations, and given the evidence
in the record that Lawson had irregularly used her prescribed pain medications in a manner
indicative of possible substance abuse. (Tr. 387.) Significantly, Dr. Schacht noted that
Lawson’s test scores in her June 4, 2003 examination with Alice Garland would place Lawson’s
intellectual functioning in the mentally retarded range. This was inconsistent with her school
records, which indicated that Lawson graduated in the top third of her high school class and
achieved a “B” in algebra. (Id.) Dr. Schacht also pointed to Lawson’s MMPI profile results,
which indicated that Lawson had given exaggerated responses. (Id.)
Additionally, Dr. Schacht noted that the records indicated that Lawson might have been
improperly taking her pain medication, and that Lawson became angry and quit attending Dr.
Chavin’s pain clinic after being called in for a drug test. (Tr. 386.) Furthermore, the records
indicated that Lawson had been rejected by another pain clinic after her records were reviewed.
8
(Id.)
The ALJ asked Dr. Schacht whether the limitations set out by Alice Garland were
justified by the objective results of the tests administered by Garland. (Id.) Dr. Schacht testified
that they were not, as Garland had written that the test results seemed to be inaccurate, because
they indicated exaggerated responses and lack of effort by Lawson. (Id.) Dr. Schacht
emphasized that one could not give accurate restrictions and limitations based upon unreliable
test results. (Id.) On cross-examination, Dr. Schacht was asked whether Lawson’s pain
medications would have an effect on her ability to perform work-related activities. Dr. Schacht
indicated that the answer would depend upon Lawson’s tolerance for her medications. (Tr. 390.)
The ALJ also heard from vocational expert Robert Spangler. The ALJ asked Mr.
Spangler to consider the available job options for a hypothetical individual with the following
characteristics: a younger individual with a twelfth-grade education, limited to work involving
the frequent lifting of ten pounds and the maximum lifting limit of twenty pounds, and limited to
standing or walking only six hours a day, who could not perform repetitive stooping, bending or
climbing actions, who could not work at heights, or with ladders or hazardous machinery, and
who could not drive. Mr. Spangler estimated that approximately 55,000 jobs would exist in the
regional economy for such a person. (Tr. 391-92.) Mr. Spangler identified such jobs as
including cashier, interviewer, information clerk, general office clerk, and non-construction
laborer. (Tr. 392.)
The ALJ then asked Mr. Spangler to alter his hypothetical to assume that the afore-
mentioned person could not interact appropriately with the public, co-workers or supervisors;
could not respond appropriately to changes in work routines; and would be moderately impaired
9
in her ability to carry out and remember detailed instructions. (Tr. 392.) Mr. Spangler indicated
that no jobs would exist for such a person. (Id.)
E. The ALJ’s Decision
On September 26, 2003, the ALJ found that Lawson had a severe impairment, but was
not disabled because she was capable of performing light work for which jobs exist in the
national economy in significant numbers. (Tr. 18.) The ALJ found that Lawson had retained the
residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform light work, although he did restrict her from
driving, repetitive stooping or bending, climbing ladders, and working with heights or hazardous
machinery. (Tr. 22.) Based on her RFC, the ALJ found that Lawson could not return to her
former work as a school bus driver, but could work as a cashier, interviewer, information clerk,
invoice clerk, factory messenger, general office clerk, and non-construction laborer. (Tr. 24, 26.)
Specifically, the ALJ found that the medical evidence indicated that Lawson had
degenerative disc disease with low back pain, an impairment that is deemed severe by the SSA
regulations, but not severe enough to qualify as a disability under the relevant catalog of
impairments in the SSA regulations. The ALJ emphasized that Lawson’s degenerative disc
condition, while noted by several physicians, was always treated conservatively, without
surgery. The ALJ rejected the assessment of Dr. Page, who opined that Lawson should be
limited to lifting only ten pounds. (Id.) The ALJ noted that this conclusion is belied by the
testing results, and the fact that Dr. Page noted that Lawson gave poor effort during testing. (Id.)
The ALJ rejected Lawson’s claim of a mental health impairment completely. In doing
so, the ALJ rejected the conclusions of Alice Garland, the psychological examiner, regarding her
recommended limitations for Lawson, based on Lawson’s claimed difficulty in interacting with
10
others. The ALJ found Garland’s assessment to be “clearly inconsistent with the documentary
evidence” and noted that Garland’s own report indicates that Lawson failed to put forth good
effort in testing and exaggerated her responses. (Tr. 22.) The ALJ concluded that the record
failed to show that Lawson needed mental health treatment. (Id.) The ALJ also rejected the
state agency assessment that concluded that Lawson was moderately limited by her mental
problems and had experienced two episodes of decompensation. (Id.) The ALJ concluded that
the assessment was not based on objective medical records but on Lawson’s own self-serving
statements and allegations of problems occurring long before the period of alleged disability.
(Id.)
Finally, the ALJ held that Lawson’s “credibility with respect to her symptoms and
impairments is significantly diminished by her failure to follow-up with recommendations of
treating physicians to seek psychiatric or mental health treatment, failure to take medications as
prescribed, exaggeration of symptoms, her drug-seeking behavior, and failure to cooperate
during IQ and MMPI testing.” (Tr. 23.) Significantly, the ALJ noted that Lawson had returned
to part-time work, albeit briefly, in April 2002 to pay for a car she had bought. The ALJ
concluded that Lawson’s claims of pain and limitation were not credible to the extent Lawson
alleged.
F. Lawson’s Appeal of the ALJ’s Decision
Lawson requested that her case be reviewed by the Appeals Council, and submitted
additional evidence to the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council denied review on May 28,
2004, which had the effect of affirming the ALJ’s decision as the Commissioner’s final decision
on the matter.
11
On July 27, 2004, Lawson filed suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Tennessee, requesting judicial review of the Commissioner’s final determination and
challenging the ALJ’s determination that she was not disabled. Both sides filed motions for
summary judgment in support of their positions. On August 22, 2005, the District Court issued
an order granting the Commissioner’s motion for summary judgment and affirming the denial of
disability benefits. The District Court had jurisdiction to review the decision of the SSA
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Plaintiff timely filed an appeal of the decision of the District
Court, and thus the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has jurisdiction over this appeal
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
II. Analysis
A. Standard of Review
In this case, the SSA’s Appeals Counsel denied review of Lawson’s administrative
appeal, and thus the ALJ’s determination was adopted by the Commissioner as a final agency
decision. Accordingly, on appeal, the ALJ’s determination receives deferential review by the
District Court and by this Circuit, under the “substantial evidence” standard. Section 405(g) of
the Social Security Act provides that the Commissioner’s findings are conclusive, provided they
are supported by “substantial evidence.” 42 U.S.C. §405(g); see also Foster v. Halter, 279 F.3d
348, 353 (6th Cir. 2001) (recognizing deference to Commissioner’s findings under “substantial
evidence” standard). “Substantial evidence” is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind
might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401
(1971). The ALJ’s decision is entitled to this deference even if evidence exists in the record to
12
support an alternative result. Buxton v. Halter, 246 F.3d 762, 772 (6th Cir. 2001). Accordingly,
on review, neither the District Court, nor the Court of Appeals, may resolve conflicts in the
evidence, or make credibility determinations. Walters v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 127 F.3d 525, 528
(6th Cir. 1997). Nor may a reviewing court reverse the ALJ’s decision merely because the court
would have decided the matter differently. Smith v. Chater, 99 F.3d 780, 782 (6th Cir. 1996).
The relevant legal analysis for a disability insurance determination is contained in the
SSA regulations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 provides a five-step evaluation process to determine
disability. This regulation requires the decision maker to analyze the disability claim thus:
1. If the claimant is performing substantial gainful work, she is
not disabled.
2. If the claimant is not performing substantial gainful work, her
impairment(s) must be severe before she can be found to be
disabled.
3. If the claimant is not performing substantial gainful work, and
has a severe impairment (or impairments) that has lasted or is
expected to last for a continuous period of at least twelve
months, and her impairment (or impairments) meets or
medically equals a listed impairment contained in Appendix,
Supbart P, Regulation No. 4, the claimant is presumed
disabled without further inquiry.
4. If the claimant’s impairment (or impairments) does not
prevent her from doing her past relevant work, she is not
disabled.
5. If the claimant’s impairment (or impairments) prevent her
from performing her past relevant work, if other work exists
in significant numbers in the national economy that
accommodates her residual functional capacity and vocational
factors, she is not disabled.
The ALJ followed the above analysis, finding that with respect to the first two prongs,
13
Lawson was not performing gainful work and had a severe impairment, namely degenerative
disc disease. Upon reaching the third element of the analysis, the ALJ, comparing the medical
evidence of Lawson’s impairments with the requirements for listed impairments contained in the
SSA regulations, determined that neither Lawson’s claimed mental condition, nor her
degenerative disc disease, met or equaled any listed disability in the regulations.
B. Lawson Has Not Met Or Equaled Any Listed Impairment
In order to meet or equal the requirements of a listed impairment, a claimant must
demonstrate specific findings that duplicate the enumerated criteria of the listed impairment.
This equivalency must be based on medical evidence supported by acceptable clinical and
diagnostic techniques. Land v. Sec’y of Health and Human Svcs., 814 F.2d 241, 245 (6th Cir.
1986). In order for a claimant’s condition to equate with a listed impairment, the claimant’s
condition must manifest all of the specified medical criteria for such impairment. Sullivan v.
Zebley, 493 U.S. 521, 530 (1990) (“An impairment that manifests only some of the criteria, no
matter how severe, does not qualify.”).
1. Lawson’s Back Condition Does Not Meet The Criteria Of Any Listed
Impairment
On appeal, Lawson insists that her back condition meets the requirements for listed
disabilities under 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1, Listings, 1.04A, B, and C. Listing
1.04 refers generally to Disorders of the Spine. Listing 1.04A refers to evidence of nerve root
compression characterized by specific clinical findings; Listing 1.04 B refers to spinal
arachnoiditis, confirmed by an operative note or tissue biopsy, and Listing 1.04C refers to
lumbar spinal stenosis that results in certain findings on diagnostic imaging techniques and
certain specified physical limitations.
14
Lawson has not demonstrated that her impairments meet the strict requirements for these
listed impairments. With respect to Listing 1.04A (nerve root compression), that listing requires
a finding of limitation of motion of the spine and loss of motor reflex. Nothing in the record
indicates any limitation in the range of motion of Lawson’s spine or loss of motor reflex.
Indeed, Dr. Sameh’s notes of his examination of June 27, 2003 indicate a normal range of
motion in Lawson’s lumbar spine and an “unremarkable” result for motor and sensory
examination.
(Tr. 317.) Listing 1.04B (arachnoiditis) requires that a spinal arachnoiditis condition be
confirmed by an operative note or tissue biopsy. Lawson has not had any back surgery or tissue
biopsy and thus cannot satisfy Listing 1.04B.
Likewise, Lawson’s back condition cannot satisfy the requirements of Listing 1.04C
(Lumbar spinal stenosis). That section requires a finding that the claimant cannot ambulate
effectively. Each of the examining physicians found Lawson to demonstrate a “normal” or
“unremarkable” gait. Because Lawson can ambulate normally, she does not satisfy the
requirements of Listing 1.04C.
Lawson’s counsel attempts to argue that Dr. Ward’s diagnosis of “severe” degenerative
disc disease qualifies Lawson for disability benefits, but this bare assertion of severity and a
listing of Lawson’s claimed symptoms does not satisfy the analysis for disability as set forth in
the SSA’s regulations at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520, in the absence of evidence of specific medical
findings consistent with a particular listed impairment.
2. Lawson’s Claimed Mental Condition Does Not Satisfy the Criteria for
Any Listed Impairment
Lawson claims on appeal that her mental condition satisfies the criteria for an Affective
15
Disorder impairment (Listing 12.04). Lawson’s argument is premised on the fact that Alice
Garland, the psychological examiner, noted that Lawson demonstrated both “major depressive
disorder, recurrent” and “personality disorder, NOS with borderline and dependent features
noted” (Tr. 312), and that the SSA’s consultive examination expert listed a number of
psychiatric diagnoses for Lawson, including major depressive disorder (Tr. 201). However,
neither Garland nor the consultive examiner found that Lawson had satisfied all of the criteria
for Listing 12.04A. Notably, the consultive examiner explicitly determined that, while Lawson
had a medically determinable mental impairment, it did not precisely satisfy the diagnostic
criteria for Listing 12.04A. Moreover, nothing in the medical records indicated that Lawson
satisfied Part B of Listing 12.04, which required at least two of the following:
* marked restrictions in activities or daily living;
* marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning;
* marked difficulties in maintaining concentration,
persistence or pace; or
* repeated [i.e. three or more] episodes of decompensation,
each of extended duration.
20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1, Listings, 12.04.
The consultive examiner did not rate Lawson as having any “marked” restrictions or
difficulties, but rather described Lawson’s condition in these areas as “moderate.” Moreover, the
examiner noted that Lawson may have had “one or two” episodes of decompensation (according
to Lawson), but this falls short of the three or more episodes required by the listing criteria.
Finally, the consultive examiner found that Lawson did not satisfy the Part C criteria for Listing
12.04 (a medically documented history of chronic affective disorder of at least two years’
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duration).
Likewise, Alice Garland’s reports do not indicate that Lawson satisfied the Part B criteria
by having “marked” difficulties in the listed areas. Garland noted that, as far as activities of
daily living is concerned, Lawson performed some housework, and lived with her husband and
stepdaughters. Garland also indicated that Lawson did not have difficulties in social functioning.
This evidence does not jibe with Lawson’s claim that she satisfied the Part B criteria for Listing
12.04. The foregoing indicates that the ALJ did not err in rejecting Lawson’s claim that she
suffered from a listed mental impairment under the SSA regulations.
3. Lawson’s Claimed Impairments In Combination Do Not Render Her
Disabled
On appeal, Lawson argues that her claimed mental condition and her claimed back
condition, when considered together, constitute an impairment of such severity that it would be a
basis for disability eligibility. Lawson’s argument consists of a list of symptoms, unattached to
any creditable medical findings, that Lawson claims renders her disabled. This argument does
not satisfy the criteria for disability determination based on multiple impairments contained in
the SSA regulations at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1523. That section provides:
In determining whether your physical or mental impairment or
impairments are of a sufficient medical severity that such impairment
or impairments could be the basis of eligibility under the law, we will
consider the combined effect of all your impairments without regard
to whether any such impairment, if considered separately, would be
of sufficient severity. If we do find a medically severe combination
of impairments, the combined impact of the impairments will be
considered throughout the disability determination process. If we do
not find that you have a medically severe combination of
impairments, we will determine that you are not disabled.
17
20 C.F.R. §404.1523. Lawson has not demonstrated that her combined conditions “could be the
basis of eligibility under the law” by satisfying any particular impairment listing. Moreover,
Lawson’s listing of symptoms, unmoored from particular medical findings, cannot satisfy the
objective standards of the regulations.
Ultimately, Lawson’s argument based on combined impairments fails because the ALJ
determined that Lawson had no impairment based on mental condition. This finding was based
on substantial evidence, in that the ALJ found that the claim of mental impairment was not borne
out by record evidence, and was based upon intellectual and psychological testing results that
were inaccurate or exaggerated. Because of the substantial deference afforded to the ALJ’s
determination, this Court cannot disturb the ALJ’s finding of no mental impairment even if the
record evidence might support a contrary result. Accordingly, the District Court did not err in
upholding the ALJ’s finding that Lawson was not entitled to disability based on either her back
condition, her alleged mental condition, or a combination of both.
4. The ALJ Properly Considered Lawson’s Limitations in Analyzing
Her Residual Functional Capacity and the Availability of Appropriate
Work
Lawson argues on appeal that she lacks the residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform
any type of gainful activity. At the supplemental hearing, Lawson’s counsel asked the
vocational expert to add several potential psychological limitations to the hypothetical posited
by the ALJ regarding the availability of jobs for a person with certain physical or behavioral
limitations that preclude bending, stooping, using ladders and operating machinery. Specifically,
Lawson’s counsel asked the vocational expert if there were jobs for persons who, in addition to
the physical limitations set by the ALJ, had an inability to: 1) interact with the public,
18
supervisors, and co-workers; 2) respond appropriately to changes in routine; 3) make judgments;
and 4) understand,
remember and carry out detailed instructions. The vocational expert opined that there would be
no jobs in the national economy for such a person.
The psychological and intellectual limitations espoused by Lawson are not supported by
the record. The most relevant entries in the medical record appear to be the June 17, 2003 report
form filled out by Alice Garland, which indicates that Lawson might have “moderate” difficulty
with detailed instructions (Tr. 313) and “moderate to marked” limitations to interacting with
others, responding to work pressures, and responding to changes in work routine (Tr. 314).
However, the ALJ rejected Garland’s assessment as having been premised on a testing session in
which Lawson failed to demonstrate good effort in responding to testing. (Tr. 22.) Indeed, in
her report from that session, Garland advised that the test results obtained were not a reliable
estimate of Lawson’s abilities. Moreover, the ALJ’s rejection of Garland’s assessment is
supported by the testimony of Dr. Schacht, who opined that Garland’s restrictions did not
accurately reflect the objective testing that she had performed, as Garland’s report admitted that
the test results were not a reliable indicator of Lawson’s abilities. (Tr. 387.)
Accordingly, the ALJ was well within his authority to reject Garland’s assessment, as he
had substantial evidence that the assessment represented inaccurate conclusions premised on
unreliable test results. (Tr. 312.) See Varley v. Sec’y of Health and Human Svcs., 820 F.2d 777,
779-80 (6th Cir. 1987) (ALJ may reject entry on RFC form that is not substantiated by medical
data and is inconsistent with the physician’s previous opinions). Because the ALJ’s assessment
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of Lawson’s RFC, including his rejection of the psychological limitations proffered by Lawson’s
counsel, was based upon substantial evidence, this determination may not be disturbed upon
appeal.
III. Conclusion
For the foregoing reasons, this Court AFFIRMS the judgment of the District Court.
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